Augusta, GA

Community members honor shooting victims with prayer vigils

Published

2 weeks ago

May 7, 2024

Community members honor shooting victims with prayer vigils

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Community members are coming together to pray for Augusta’s latest shooting victims.

The Richmond County coroner says 22-year-old Jaleen Sumpter died Sunday night on C Street in Olmstead Homes and another person was taken to the hospital after being shot in the leg.

And just last week, 14-year-old Anthony Harrison died in a shooting at the Cedarwood Apartments.

Violence has impacted too many people in our area, taking loved ones and turning lives upside down.

Now, people in our community say it’s time for a change.

Two shootings in one week add to the violent outbreak of crime that’s taken over 150 lives in the last two years.

“We had the first killing in Cedarwood and when that happened, I said, ‘Okay, God, let’s go.’ And I called the troops. I called some men of God and women of God who really, I know care about the community. Because we got hearts for the people, you want to bring people around and get people involved who care,” said Terrell Lynn, who held the prayer vigils.

He says it’s time for a change, after the shooting at Cedarwood Apartments they gathered, praying for violence to end.

“It’s very important for these young people to see somebody from where they’re from, did the same thing that they were doing, that made it out and telling them that, hey, it’s better for you that this is not the end,” he said.

But another shooting took place at Olmstead Homes, bringing them back together and praying for the community.

“There are many that are responded to be mentors and to be established in these communities. And this isn’t just, I’m gonna pray and that’s it, we’re gonna pray, we’re gonna get a presence out here. We’re going to talk to the community, talk with the kids, work with the kids. This is not a one-time thing,” said Lynn.

They say it’s time for the community to step up.

“I invite anybody, anybody from your community, any man who wants to come and say, ‘Hey, I’m not gonna let this happen in my city, I’m not just gonna be here, sit here and let this happen without doing anything.’ I invite you to come out here and take a stand,” he said.

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Augusta, GA

Volunteers help clean up Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta

Published

3 hours ago

May 19, 2024

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Volunteers help clean up Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Organizers of a Magnolia Cemetery cleanup say hundreds of people showed up all ages to help clean up the historic site.

From 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, volunteers showed up with brooms, shovels and other supplies to help. The land houses five Jewish cemeteries and a Greek cemetery along with a Masonic lodge and several church sections.

“It’s such a peaceful place,” said Kevin de l’Aigle. “It’s such a place of solace in this crazy world we live in. It’s a great place to come and just find some peace and walk around among the beautiful grounds. For me, I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, so it’s more like a park. I mean, all my ancestors, my dad’s buried here. But for me, it’s just like I get a sense of peace here that I don’t get anywhere else.”

And recently, a woman from Boston donated $25,000 to the cemetery.

The Magnolia Cemetery is home to a crepe Myrtle that’s said to be the oldest tree in the state of Georgia.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta National Golf Club rolls out fresh sod at Eisenhower Park

Published

10 hours ago

May 18, 2024

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Augusta National Golf Club rolls out fresh sod at Eisenhower Park

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta National Golf Club on Friday laid down new sod at Eisenhower Park.

The club leased the park to use for parking during this year’s Masters Tournament.

That meant a layer of gravel for the cars to park on.

But on Friday, crews rolled out sod, leaving the park in better condition than it had been in before.

Now the public can enjoy the green space for the rest of the year.

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Augusta, GA

Atlanta Braves, Golden Harvest team up to fight hunger

Published

17 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Atlanta Braves, Golden Harvest team up to fight hunger

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Partners with the Atlanta Braves teamed up with Golden Harvest on Friday to help fight hunger in Augusta.

It’s part of the efforts of the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

20 season ticket holders and staff helped create backpacks helping the community by taking part in the food packing project.

Those backpacks are helping families have additional food resources as students finish the school year.

The vice president of the GreenJackets spoke about giving back.

“I mean 9 a.m. we had a game last night that went pretty long everyone looks like they are having a good time. Like I said it’s good for staff and season ticket holders to get together to do something for the community,” said Tom Denlinger.

On Friday night, the Braves’ country road trip is headed to SRP Park, and the partnership continues this weekend, helping set up Thunder Over Evans on Saturday.

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